Watermouth Cove

Watermouth Cove is in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the North Devon coast.

Romantic Watermouth Cove is a rocky inlet, situated on the unspoilt North Devon coast, two miles to the east of Ilfracombe, and two miles west of Combe Martin, close to the village of Berrynarbor.

The cove is sheltered from the prevailing south westerly winds and offers a peaceful anchorage for small boats and yachts.

Over the centuries the rugged North Devon coast with its cliffs and secluded inlets became well known area for smuggling. Watermouth Cove was an ideal isolated landing point and there are stories of its use by smugglers to avoid the ‘Revenue Men’.

Watermouth cove with castle in the background.

Watermouth Cove is overlooked by Watermouth Castle. The castle built in 1825 is now a family theme park and popular tourist attraction.

Watermouth Cove is an ideal and peaceful base from which to explore the varied scenery, entertainment and activities offered by this relatively unspoilt corner of rural England. Click here for more information on the area.

Watermouth Cove is a popular place for mooring yachts and boats. Visitors are welcome to take their boats there and use the slipway.

When the tide is out you can walk out past the breakwater. Two streams run into the harbour so bring your jelly shoes or wellington boots!

For walkers in the West Country, the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail are readily accessible, as they are combined at Watermouth Cove - only 200 yards from Watermouth Cove Cottages. The Tarka Trail, its name emanating from Tarka the otter whose exploits were based in North Devon, covers most of the county.

The North Devon coast is offically recognised as AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty) It offers spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, woodland and moorland.

North Devon's coastal scenery is both rugged and dramatic. Rocky outcrops, with emotive names such as Hangman Point, Morte Point thrust out into the sea.

Watermouth Cove is also on the fringes of Exmoor - Lorna Doone country. This beautiful moor teems with wildlife, from red deer to birds of prey, and of course the famed wild ponies.

Berrynarbor, just a few minutes drive from Watermouth, is a prize winning village overlooking the beautiful Sterridge Valley - with a first class restaurant and an historic Inn.

Ilfracombe, a couple of miles west of Watermouth Cove, has Rapparee Cove, Hele Bay and Tunnels beaches, with delightful walks and gardens.

There is an exceptionally scenic coastal golf course and boat trips are available for fishing and visiting Lundy Island.

Ilfracombe has a swimming pool, tennis courts, local museum, aquarium, theatre, cinema plus a wide range of cafe and restaurants.

Close by are the beautiful golden sandy surfing beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton Sands.

The major surfing beaches of Woolacombe and Croyde on the northwest tip of Devon are only a short 15 minute drive away.

Surfers can take advantage of last minute special savers for short breaks when the surf is up!

Broad Sands Beach (main picture)

SSSShhh - tell no -one about this hidden cove

It is one of Exmoor’s best kept secret swimming beaches.

We can give you directions via the south west coastal path.

The beach is a hidden gem and is beneath stunning wooded cliffs between Watermouth and Combe Martin,

Not for the faint hearted as there are nearly 200 steps to get to it.

Its worth it though ....to find a deep double cove with many caves to explore and a beautiful secluded shingle beaches offering sheltered swimming

NB as its a 'wild' beach its your own risk as there are no lifeguards, or cafe.